Purina Has Sponsored Biennial Conference Since 1997

RALEIGH, NC (August 8, 2017) - The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to prevent, treat and cure diseases in all dogs, announces that Dr. Edward Breitschwerdt, a specialist in veterinary internal medicine and infectious diseases at North Carolina State University (NCSU), is the recipient of its 2017 Asa Mays DVM Award for Excellence in Canine Health Research.

Dr. Mary Smith, CHF Board Member and Chairman of the CHF Scientific Review Committee, will present the award to Dr. Breitschwerdt on August 12 at the 2017 AKC Canine Health Foundation National Parent Club Canine Health Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. Sponsored by CHF partner, Purina, the conference is a biennial event that features distinguished researchers presenting the latest medical and scientific advances in canine health. The conference will be held on August 11-13.

“Dr. Breitschwerdt’s leading-edge research in the field of infectious disease has advanced our knowledge of deadly pathogens that cross species barriers, contributing to both canine and human health,” said Dr. Smith. “As a clinician, research scientist and educator, he has impacted not only our current understanding, but has prepared many young scientists to continue this work into the future.”

Named for Dr. Asa Mays, a founding board member of the AKC Canine Health Foundation, the Asa Mays DVM Award for Excellence in Canine Health Research is presented to an investigator who demonstrates meritorious advancements in identifying, characterizing, and treating canine diseases.

In addition to his position at NCSU, Dr. Breitschwerdt is an adjunct professor of medicine at Duke University Medical Center, and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. He has most notably contributed to innovative research in the areas of animal and human bartonellosis, and is internationally regarded as an expert in vector-borne diseases. Dr. Breitschwerdt’s research group has published more than 350 manuscripts in peer-reviewed scientific journals. In 2013 he received the Holladay Medal, the highest award bestowed on a faculty member at NCSU. He is also the recipient of the 2017 Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges Excellence in Research Award. In a recent interview with CHF, Dr. Breitschwerdt chronicled his discovery of a new Bartonella species, the first isolate of Bartonella in a dog, and the groundbreaking work that followed. CHF has awarded Dr. Breitschwerdt over $215,000 in funding for research in bartonellosis and lymphoma.

In addition to sponsoring CHF’s biennial National Parent Club Canine Health Conference, Purina supports the Foundation’s mission as a corporate partner and through the Purina Parent Club Partnership Program, which has contributed $6.5 million since 2002, with half of the funds going to canine health research sponsored by CHF and half going directly to Parent Clubs. Purina also has selected CHF as their nonprofit partner in the annual #DogThanking social media campaign during the National Dog Show. Since 1997, Purina and CHF have shared a mission of supporting canine health research to benefit all dogs.

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About CHFSince 1995, the Raleigh, NC-based AKC Canine Health Foundation has leveraged the power of science and research to improve the lives of dogs and their people. The Foundation works to prevent, treat and cure diseases that impact all dogs, while providing professional information and resources for a new breed of dog owner. Take action because you care; find out more online at www.akcchf.org.

About Purina Purina promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premier global manufacturer of pet products, Purina is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A., a global leader in nutrition, health and wellness.